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Transfer to the Coast Guard Academy

If you are thinking about transferring from your college or university, you are not alone. Thirty to forty percent of college students transfer at least once, especially those looking for something more.

College students applying to the Coast Guard Academy are often looking for more meaning in their college and work life, as well as a stronger sense of community. Others recognize the affordability and prospect of a challenging job when they graduate. They’re all wanting an experience that exceeds other colleges.

Overall, about 12 percent of cadets in each Academy class attended college elsewhere first before realizing they desire to go above and beyond.

A Different Twist on College Credit

Because the Academy experience includes a 200-week leadership and professional development program, all new cadets undertake Swab Summer together, starting as freshmen.

Although students who transfer credit will not enter with advanced academic standing, credit earned elsewhere will be evaluated by academic departments and may be accepted to satisfy core requirements.

As a result, you may be able to validate some core courses, freeing up time for more electives or even a double major.

The Application Process

If you are enrolled in college when you apply for admission, please note that Early Action is not an option unless you’re applying for the first time. Plan to deliver a copy of your most recent college transcript when you apply.

Prospective cadets must be debt-free to be eligible to enroll. Debt burden from college loans may be disqualifying.

FACTS AND FIGURES
TRANSFER STUDENTS
0
Debt & dependents allowed
0
The oldest eligible enrollment age
$ 0
Monthly cadet stipend
 
$ 0 k+
Monetary value of the CGA education

Sponsor Family Application

Thank you for submitting your application to be part of the Sponsor Family Program. Your application will be processed in the upcoming week. Coast Guard Academy’s policy on background screening now requires all adults (everyone 18 and older living in the home) who volunteer to mentor, teach, coach or sponsor cadets, whether on or off Coast Guard Academy grounds, to be screened every 5 years. They are required to provide personal information (name, birth date and social security number) for the purpose of conducting a criminal background check.

The Security Officer at the Coast Guard Academy, CWO2 Gina Polkowski, is overseeing this process. Her email is: Gina.M.Polkowski@uscg.mil.

Sponsor Family designations fall into several different categories. Below are the guidelines to help you determine how best to meet the background screening requirement:

  1. If you are Coast Guard active duty you do not need to apply for an additional Background Check. You will be vetted through the Coast Guard system by CWO2 Polkowski.
  2. If you are a Civilian working for the Coast Guard you do not need to apply for an additional Background Check. You will be vetted through the Coast Guard system by CWO2 Polkowski.
  3. If you are non-Coast Guard Active Duty, you are required to provide proof of your current security clearance or National Agency Check that is to be emailed by your Command Security Officer (CSO)/ Security Office to CWO2 Polkowski at  Gina.M.Polkowski@uscg.mil.
  4. If you are non-Coast Guard civilian who has a current security clearance or National Agency check, you are required to provide proof of your current security clearance or National Agency Check that is to be emailed by your Command Security Officer (CSO)/ Security Office to CWO2 Polkowski at  Gina.M.Polkowski@uscg.mil.
  5. All civilians in the families who are 18 years or older and do not have a security clearance or a National Agency Check are required to be vetted through Mind Your Business, the third party vendor hired by the Coast Guard Academy for the vetting process.

After you complete your application, please e-mail the Sponsor Family Program Coordinator at CadetFamilySponsorProgram@uscga.edu. In your e-mail, you must include the e-mail address and phone number of every adult living in the home. The Sponsor Family Coordinator will then initiate the background check process and you will receive an email with further instructions.

Important things to note:

There is a Sponsor Family Training that is a one-hour training which we ask sponsors to attend once every four years. This training is designed to give you an overview of the program, what is expected of you as a sponsor, and what you can expect from your cadets. This training will also help familiarize you with the cadet regulations onboard CGA. You will be notified via e-mail once the training is scheduled.

The matching process of swabs to families will occur during July and August. Please bear with us and remain flexible through this process. There will be a meet and greet scheduled on Campus, typically in late August. This will give families an opportunity to formally meet their cadet if they have not already done so. Details on this will also be via email.

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